Real hidden gems of Sri Lanka

For the discerning traveller seeking a journey that whispers exclusivity and breathes authenticity, Sri Lanka’s hidden gems are not found on glossy postcards they unfold in quiet valleys, forgotten coastlines, and timeless highlands. These are destinations far from the crowds, where nature and culture still speak in their purest forms. Join us as we unveil three exquisite escapes, Gal Oya, Passikudah, and Belihuloya. Each handpicked for their unmatched charm, serenity, and luxury. The real hidden gems of Sri Lanka are absolutely untouched and will be unfolded for you.

Gal Oya National Park – Wilderness Without Witnesses

Swimming Elephants at Gal-oya National Park

Location: Southeastern Sri Lanka, in the Monaragala District

Ideal for exclusive safaris, indigenous encounters, and nature-lovers in search of seclusion.

Tucked deep into the country’s remote southeast, Gal Oya is one of the island’s most pristine and least explored national parks. It’s the only place in Sri Lanka where you can witness the majestic sight of elephants swimming across open water during a boat safari on Senanayake Samudraya, the country's largest reservoir.

But what truly sets Gal Oya apart is its cultural rarity — it is home to the Vedda people, Sri Lanka’s last indigenous forest-dwelling community. With proper guidance and respect, visitors may engage in a profoundly moving cultural exchange, gaining insights into centuries-old forest knowledge, spiritual practices, and ancestral living.

Nearby Attractions

• Buddhangala Monastery – a serene forest temple

• Nilgala Forest – a biodiversity hotspot with rare medicinal plants

• Inginiyagala Dam – panoramic reservoir views

  
  

Luxury Accommodations

• Gal Oya Lodge – Eco-luxury villas set in the jungle, offering private safaris and guided treks with naturalists

• Wild Glamping Gal Oya – For upscale, tented experiences that blend raw nature with indulgent comfort

Passikudah & Kalkudah – East Coast Serenity

Shallow beaches at Pasikudah

Location: Batticaloa District, Eastern Province

ideal for secluded luxury beach holidays, wellness, and warm-water relaxation on Sri Lanka’s lesser-known east coast, where monsoons are gentle and development remains discreet, lies the tranquil arc of Passikudah Bay. Its crystal-clear, shallow waters stretch hundreds of meters into the sea , perfect for languid swims, paddleboarding, or simply basking in tropical stillness. Just next door, Kalkudah beach offers an even quieter alternative.

Once the preserve of locals and fishermen, the coastline has now become a haven for high-end travellers seeking peaceful elegance by the sea.

Nearby Attractions

• Batticaloa Fort – A 17th-century Dutch fortress steeped in colonial history

• Coconut Cultural Park – Learn about traditional coconut-based industries

• Snorkeling and diving excursions to nearby coral reefs

Luxury Accommodations

• Uga Bay by Uga Escapes – Boutique beachfront elegance with spa, curated cuisine, and refined minimalism

• Anantaya Resort & Spa Passikudah – Modern sophistication paired with local charm

• Maalu Maalu Resort – Eco-inspired luxury rooted in Sri Lankan village aesthetics

Belihuloya – Where Mountains Murmur and Rivers Sing

Location: Sabaragamuwa Province, near Ratnapura

Ideal for nature immersion, slow travel, soft adventure, and wellness. Nestled between Sri Lanka’s wet and dry zones, Belihuloya is a pristine highland village that remains untouched by mainstream tourism. Here, cool mountain air carries the scent of wild herbs, and birdsong echoes through emerald forests and cascading waterfalls.

This is a place of poetic calm — perfect for private nature walks, riverside dining, and cycling through sleepy hamlets. For those drawn to authenticity, Belihuloya offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rural soul — unfiltered, graceful, and grounding.

Nearby Attractions:

• Pahanthudawa Falls – A stunningly symmetrical natural waterfall

• Horton Plains (1.5 hr drive) – Home to the famous World’s End cliff

• Samanalawewa Reservoir – Ideal for sunrise reflections and birdwatching

Luxury Accommodations:

• The Planters House – A heritage tea bungalow with breathtaking views and curated farm-to-table cuisine

• GlenMyu Estate – Boutique eco-luxury nestled in a private forest, with panoramic valley views

• Water Garden Belihuloya – Intimate and tasteful, surrounded by streams and lush gardens

At Art of Lanka Tours, we specialize in crafting journeys that transcend the expected. Our handpicked itineraries combine luxury, culture, privacy, and authenticity , guiding you beyond the typical to experience the soul of Sri Lanka through its hidden sanctuaries. Whether you're gliding across Gal Oya’s waters, sipping cinnamon-infused cocktails on Passikudah shore, or meditating beside a mountain stream in Belihuloya, your journey is curated with the finest attention to detail and elegance.

Your story begins here , let Art of Lanka Tours craft it into something extraordinary.